FAQ Section

CAT 5 Cable

[Q] What is CAT 5 Cable?

[A] There are various types of twisted-pair cable, such as Cat 5,
Cat 5e, Cat 6, that are all ethernet cable. Ethernet is a type
of networking technology, and many different types of cable
have been developed over the years, each have unique properties
that define how much signal it can carry, and what kind of transmission
distance limitations it will have.

For the purposes of this discussion we will only be discussing cable types in common usage for commercial and residential applications.

There have been a great number of arguments made over the development and improvement this type of cable, as many technology companies have tried to influence the design and transmission specifications to suit their specific equipment needs.

The
following is a brief history of the development of some key
types of ethernet cable over the past 20 years:

10base5
- The original "full spec" cable. An Ethernet cabling
specification operating at 10 Megabits Per Second. Maximum single
cable length of 500 meters. Normally carried on RG8 large diameter
coaxial cable. The outer sheath is usually yellow, and the cable
was often referred to as "yellow cable" for this reason.

10base2
- Also known as "thinnet". This variant of Ethernet
uses thin coaxial cable, RG-58 or similar, and operates at 10
Megabits Per Second. A single cable can have a maximum length
of 200 meters.

10baseT
- A variant of Ethernet that allows connectivity between devices
using twister pair cable. Twisted pair cable will contain (usually
4) pairs of wires that are each twisted at a slightly different
ratio than the other pairs. This is done to reduce the effects
of cross-talk. Cross talk is when the signal in one pair of
wires has an unwanted effect on other wires within the same
cable.

100baseT
- A variant of Ethernet that was developed in the late 1980's
to early 1990's. This is Unshielded Twisted Pair cable, and
can carry a 100 Megabit Per Second signal. Any of several standards
apply, such as 100BaseTx, that is,100 Megabits Per Second over
2 pair Cat5 or better cable. There is 100BaseT4, 100 Megabits
Per Second over 4 pair Cat3 or better cable.

Cat5 - A twisted pair cable (typically 4 pairs) designed to operate
at speeds up to 100 Megabits Per Second.

Cat
5e - A twisted pair cable, with improvements to the transmission
speed and twist ratio of the pairs. Designed for less cross
talk between pairs, and allows transmission speeds up to 1 Gigabit
Per Second. In order to achieve Gigabit Ethernet, this would
be the minimum standard cable to use. Cat 5e cable is the choice
for almost all new installations, including the use of patch
and crossover cables. Because a good quality Cat 5e will operate
at the same speed as Cat 6, most installers and end users alike
are opting not to waste the extra money for Cat 6.

Cat
6 - A twisted pair cable, almost identical to Cat 5e. Specifically
designed for Gigabit Ethernet. This cable is basically just
a higher standard Cat 5e cable that will consistently deliver
1 Gigabit Ethernet. The other major difference in this cable
is the plug. Even though it is still an RJ45 connection, (like
cat 5 and cat 5e) the RJ45 plugs used in the construction of
Cat 6 cables are slightly different from those used in Cat 5
or cat 5e. Many of the plugs have the pairs offset at any angle,
as opposed to the Cat 5 and Cat 5e plugs that have all 8 wires
side-by-side in the plug. No concern to the end user whatsoever.
This is more of an observation to those who terminate these
cables.

In
short, Ethernet has evolved from using mainly large, bulky,
coaxial style cables, to the modern twisted pair cables of Cat
5, Cat 5e, and Cat 6. Of the three, Cat 5e appears to be the
peoples choice, based on the amount of Cat 5e cable being used
in new installations, and in the production of patch cables
and crossover cables being produced and sold. This is most likely
due to the fact that as stated earlier, a quality Cat 5e cable
product will operate at Gigabit speeds. It has shown to be very
reliable, and because there is no real benefit to using Cat
6 cable in the same application. Cat 5e cable is also much less
expensive than Cat 6, while giving about the same performance.

Another thing to keep in mind if you choose to use CAT 6 Cable over CAT 5E Cable, is the size of the cable itself.

All CAT 6 Cable will be slightly larger overall in diameter because the individual pairs within the outer jacket. In addition, many CAT 6 Cable material has a plastic seperator that runs the entire length of the cable, making it even larger and more rigid.

This will make a huge difference when you install the cable, and of course making Patch and Crossover Cables.

Of
course, you will always want to consider the total scope of
your project before deciding on a specific cable type. Always
consult a professional if your are unsure what you will need.

CAT
5 Cable Company provides CAT 5 and CAT 5e patch and crossover cables for all networking applications in
9 colors, and any custom length. Hand assembled and 100% tested
to ensure the finest quality.